Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (HRTX)
Heron Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for unmet patient needs using its proprietary Biochronomer drug delivery technology. Their key products address postoperative pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Company Overview
Heron Therapeutics leverages its innovative Biochronomer drug delivery platform to provide extended-release therapeutics, primarily targeting postoperative pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, offering improved patient outcomes and positioning the company for growth in the biotechnology sector.
Investment Thesis
Heron Therapeutics presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its innovative Biochronomer drug delivery technology and a portfolio of products targeting significant unmet needs in postoperative pain management and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The company's marketed products, SUSTOL and CINVANTI, provide a stable revenue base, while ZYNRELEF, if successfully commercialized, has the potential to become a major growth driver. With a market capitalization of $0.20 billion and a gross margin of 71.7%, Heron offers attractive upside potential. Key catalysts include the continued expansion of ZYNRELEF's market share and the advancement of its pipeline products, HTX-019 and HTX-034, through clinical development. Investors should consider HRTX for its potential to disrupt the pain management and oncology supportive care markets with its differentiated products.
Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $0.20B indicates the current valuation of the company.
- Gross Margin of 71.7% demonstrates efficient cost management in producing and selling its products.
- P/E Ratio of -15.81 suggests the company is currently not profitable, but reflects potential future earnings growth.
- Beta of 1.25 indicates the stock is more volatile than the market average.
- Profit Margin of -8.8% highlights the company's current challenges in achieving profitability.
Competitors
Strengths
- Proprietary Biochronomer drug delivery technology.
- Marketed products addressing unmet needs in pain management and oncology supportive care.
- Pipeline of innovative product candidates.
- Experienced management team.
Weaknesses
- Negative profit margin.
- Reliance on successful commercialization of key products.
- Competition from established pharmaceutical companies.
- Dependence on regulatory approvals for pipeline products.
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Potential FDA approval for new indications of ZYNRELEF.
- Ongoing: Continued expansion of ZYNRELEF sales and market penetration.
- Upcoming: Clinical trial results for HTX-019 and HTX-034.
- Ongoing: Strategic partnerships or acquisitions to expand product portfolio.
Risks
- Potential: Regulatory delays or rejection of pipeline products.
- Ongoing: Competition from established pharmaceutical companies and generic drugs.
- Potential: Product liability claims.
- Ongoing: Dependence on successful commercialization of key products.
- Potential: Changes in healthcare reimbursement policies.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion of ZYNRELEF Market Share: ZYNRELEF, a dual-acting local anesthetic, represents a significant growth opportunity for Heron in the postoperative pain management market. The market for postoperative pain management is estimated to be multi-billion dollar. Successful commercialization and market penetration of ZYNRELEF could drive substantial revenue growth for Heron. The company's focus on demonstrating the clinical and economic benefits of ZYNRELEF compared to traditional pain management approaches will be crucial for capturing market share.
- Advancement of HTX-019: HTX-019, an investigational agent for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), offers another promising growth avenue. PONV affects a significant portion of patients undergoing surgery, creating a substantial market opportunity for effective prevention strategies. Positive clinical trial results and subsequent regulatory approval could position HTX-019 as a valuable addition to Heron's product portfolio. The timeline for potential commercialization depends on the successful completion of clinical trials.
- Development of HTX-034: HTX-034, designed for postoperative pain management, is currently in Phase Ib/II clinical study in patients undergoing bunionectomy. Successful development and commercialization of HTX-034 would further strengthen Heron's position in the pain management market. The market size for postoperative pain management is substantial, and HTX-034 has the potential to address unmet needs in this area. The timeline for potential commercialization depends on the successful completion of clinical trials.
- Leveraging Biochronomer Technology: Heron's proprietary Biochronomer drug delivery technology can be applied to develop new extended-release formulations of existing drugs or novel therapeutic agents. This technology platform provides a sustainable competitive advantage and allows Heron to create differentiated products with improved patient outcomes. Exploring new applications of Biochronomer technology represents a long-term growth opportunity for the company.
- Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions: Heron could pursue strategic partnerships or acquisitions to expand its product portfolio, access new markets, or enhance its technological capabilities. Collaborations with other pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies could accelerate the development and commercialization of new products. Strategic acquisitions could provide access to complementary technologies or product candidates, further strengthening Heron's competitive position. The timing and nature of such partnerships or acquisitions are uncertain.
Opportunities
- Expansion of ZYNRELEF market share.
- Advancement of HTX-019 and HTX-034 through clinical development.
- Strategic partnerships and acquisitions.
- Application of Biochronomer technology to new therapeutic areas.
Threats
- Regulatory setbacks.
- Competition from generic drugs.
- Product liability claims.
- Changes in healthcare reimbursement policies.
Competitive Advantages
- Proprietary Biochronomer drug delivery technology.
- Patent protection for key products.
- Established market presence in pain management and oncology supportive care.
- Pipeline of innovative product candidates.
About
Heron Therapeutics, Inc., founded in 1983 and formerly known as A.P. Pharma, Inc., is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative treatments that address significant unmet patient needs. The company's core technology is its proprietary Biochronomer drug delivery system, which enables the sustained release of therapeutic agents over days or weeks from a single administration. This technology is particularly valuable for managing conditions requiring consistent drug levels, such as postoperative pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Heron's marketed products include SUSTOL (granisetron), an extended-release injection designed to prevent acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. Another key product is CINVANTI, an intravenous formulation of aprepitant, a substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with both highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. These products aim to improve patient comfort and adherence to cancer treatment protocols. In addition to its marketed products, Heron is actively developing ZYNRELEF, a dual-acting local anesthetic combining bupivacaine and meloxicam for postoperative pain management. The company is also advancing HTX-019 for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting and HTX-034 for postoperative pain management. These pipeline products represent significant growth opportunities for Heron as it expands its portfolio of innovative therapies. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Heron Therapeutics continues to focus on leveraging its Biochronomer technology to develop and commercialize differentiated products that enhance patient care.
What They Do
- Develops treatments for unmet patient needs.
- Utilizes proprietary Biochronomer drug delivery technology.
- Offers SUSTOL for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Offers CINVANTI for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Developing ZYNRELEF for postoperative pain management.
- Developing HTX-019 for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
- Developing HTX-034 for postoperative pain management.
Business Model
- Develops and commercializes pharmaceutical products.
- Generates revenue through product sales.
- Focuses on pain management and oncology supportive care.
- Invests in research and development to expand product pipeline.
Industry Context
Heron Therapeutics operates within the biotechnology industry, which is characterized by high research and development costs, lengthy regulatory approval processes, and intense competition. The market for pain management and oncology supportive care is substantial, driven by an aging population and increasing cancer incidence. Heron's competitive advantage lies in its Biochronomer drug delivery technology, which enables extended-release formulations that can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Competitors include companies developing alternative pain management therapies and antiemetic drugs. The biotechnology industry is expected to continue growing, fueled by advancements in drug delivery technologies and personalized medicine.
Key Customers
- Hospitals and surgical centers.
- Oncology clinics.
- Patients undergoing surgery.
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Financials
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2024 | $33M | -$5M | $-0.03 |
| Q4 2024 | $41M | $4M | $0.02 |
| Q1 2025 | $39M | $3M | $0.01 |
| Q2 2025 | $37M | -$2M | $-0.02 |
Source: Company filings
Chart & Info
Price Chart
Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (HRTX) stock price: $1.18 (+0.00, +0.00%)
Why Bull
- •Heron's insider buying activity signals confidence, suggesting those closest to the company see upside potential.
- •The community's bullish sentiment appears to be growing, possibly fueled by recent positive news or developments.
- •Market perception seems to be shifting favorably, with increased attention on Heron's niche within the biotech sector.
- •There's a sense that Heron is undervalued, with some community members highlighting its potential for future growth, similar to other successful biotech turnarounds.
Why Bear
- •Recent community discussions reveal concerns about Heron's competitive landscape and potential challenges from larger players.
- •Some worry about the company's ability to scale operations and maintain profitability in the long run.
- •There's a perception that Heron's market penetration is slower than anticipated, leading to doubts about its short-term growth prospects.
- •Insider selling, if present, could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in the company's near-term performance, despite overall bullish sentiment.
Latest News
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Heron Therapeutics to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, February 26, 2026
Yahoo! Finance: HRTX News · Feb 17, 2026
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Heron Therapeutics to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, February 26, 2026
GlobeNewswire · Feb 17, 2026
-
Heron Therapeutics to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, February 26, 2026
globenewswire.com · Feb 17, 2026
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New York State Common Retirement Fund Buys 816,671 Shares of Heron Therapeutics, Inc. $HRTX
defenseworld.net · Feb 8, 2026
Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for HRTX including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for HRTX.
Make a Prediction
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Current price: $1.18
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for HRTX.
Price Targets
Median: $6.00 (+465.3% from current price)
Insider Flow (30d)
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 4/100
Revenue grew only 13.6% YoY, suggesting the company is in a slower growth phase.
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Gross Margin 10/100
Gross margin of 71.7% shows excellent pricing power and a strong competitive moat.
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Operating Leverage 4/100
Limited operating leverage due to slower revenue growth, keeping profit scaling constrained.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Cash position data is currently unavailable for this company.
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R&D Intensity 5/100
R&D spending data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 10/100
Daily turnover of 0.72% indicates healthy liquidity with smooth entry/exit for investors.
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Price Momentum 0/100
No bullish technical signals detected. The stock lacks upward price momentum currently.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates HRTX's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Latest News
Heron Therapeutics to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, February 26, 2026
Heron Therapeutics to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, February 26, 2026
Heron Therapeutics to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, February 26, 2026
New York State Common Retirement Fund Buys 816,671 Shares of Heron Therapeutics, Inc. $HRTX
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Heron Therapeutics, Inc. do?
Heron Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs, primarily in the areas of pain management and oncology supportive care. The company's key products, SUSTOL and CINVANTI, are designed to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Heron is also developing ZYNRELEF for postoperative pain management, utilizing its proprietary Biochronomer drug delivery technology to provide extended-release formulations. The company aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs through its innovative therapies.
Is HRTX stock a good buy?
HRTX stock presents a mixed investment profile. The company's innovative Biochronomer technology and marketed products offer growth potential, particularly with the expansion of ZYNRELEF. However, the negative profit margin and reliance on successful commercialization of pipeline products pose risks. Investors should carefully consider the company's financial performance, regulatory landscape, and competitive environment before investing. The stock's beta of 1.25 indicates higher volatility compared to the market average, suggesting a higher risk-reward scenario. Further positive clinical data and successful market penetration of ZYNRELEF would likely improve the investment outlook.
What are the main risks for HRTX?
Heron Therapeutics faces several key risks. Regulatory setbacks, including delays or rejection of pipeline products, could significantly impact the company's growth prospects. Competition from established pharmaceutical companies and generic drugs poses a threat to market share and pricing. Product liability claims could result in substantial financial losses. The company's dependence on the successful commercialization of key products makes it vulnerable to market acceptance and competition. Changes in healthcare reimbursement policies could also negatively affect the company's revenue and profitability.
Is HRTX a good stock to buy?
Whether HRTX is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Key factors to evaluate include the company's revenue growth trajectory, profit margins, debt-to-equity ratio, competitive moat, and valuation multiples (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) relative to industry peers. Our AI-generated Investment Thesis and SWOT analysis on this page provide a data-driven starting point. Always do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
What is the HRTX MoonshotScore?
The MoonshotScore for HRTX is an AI-powered rating from 0 to 100 that evaluates a stock across four dimensions: growth potential (revenue and earnings trajectory), financial health (balance sheet strength, cash flow), market momentum (price trends, volume patterns, institutional flows), and risk factors (volatility, debt levels, sector headwinds). Scores above 70 indicate strong potential, 50-70 moderate, and below 50 suggests caution. The score is recalculated daily using the latest financial data and market signals.
How often is HRTX data updated?
HRTX stock prices are updated in real-time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday). After-hours and pre-market prices are also tracked. Company fundamentals (earnings, revenue, balance sheet) are refreshed when new quarterly or annual reports are filed. Analyst ratings, price targets, and AI-generated insights are updated daily. Breaking news related to HRTX is aggregated continuously from premium financial news sources throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for HRTX?
Growth catalysts for Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (HRTX) can include several categories: product catalysts (new launches, FDA approvals, patent grants), financial catalysts (earnings beats, margin expansion, share buybacks), strategic catalysts (acquisitions, partnerships, market expansion into new regions), and macro catalysts (favorable regulation, industry tailwinds, secular growth trends). Our AI analyzes Heron Therapeutics, Inc.'s specific catalysts using earnings transcripts, SEC filings, and news sentiment to identify the most impactful near-term and long-term drivers.
Who are HRTX's main competitors?
Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (HRTX) competes with companies in its industry that target similar customers, markets, or product categories. Competitor analysis involves comparing key metrics: market share, revenue growth rates, profit margins, R&D spending, and valuation multiples. Understanding competitive positioning helps investors assess whether HRTX has a sustainable competitive advantage (moat) through brand strength, network effects, cost leadership, or switching costs. Our Competitors section provides a side-by-side comparison with relevant peers.
What do analysts say about HRTX?
Wall Street analyst coverage for HRTX includes consensus ratings (buy, hold, or sell), 12-month price targets, and earnings estimates. Analyst opinions are aggregated from major investment banks and research firms. Key metrics to watch include the consensus price target (average, high, and low estimates), the number of analysts covering the stock, any recent rating changes (upgrades or downgrades), and how actual earnings compare to analyst estimates (beat or miss history). Our platform aggregates these from multiple data providers for a comprehensive view.
What is HRTX's market cap?
Market capitalization (market cap) for HRTX is calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of outstanding shares. It represents the market's total valuation of the company. Stocks are typically categorized as mega-cap ($200B+), large-cap ($10B-$200B), mid-cap ($2B-$10B), small-cap ($300M-$2B), or micro-cap (under $300M). Market cap influences index inclusion, institutional ownership eligibility, and risk profile. Our Key Statistics section shows HRTX's current market cap alongside enterprise value and other valuation metrics.
How has HRTX stock performed recently?
HRTX's recent stock performance can be evaluated across multiple timeframes: daily price changes, week-over-week momentum, monthly trends, and year-to-date returns. Important performance indicators include the stock's 52-week high and low, moving averages (50-day and 200-day SMA), relative strength index (RSI), and volume trends. Comparing HRTX's performance against its sector index and the S&P 500 provides context on whether it is outperforming or underperforming the broader market.
What are the risks of investing in HRTX?
Key risk categories for HRTX include: market risk (overall market downturns affecting stock prices), company-specific risk (management changes, product failures, competitive threats), financial risk (high debt levels, cash burn, dilution from stock issuance), regulatory risk (government policy changes, lawsuits, compliance issues), and macroeconomic risk (interest rate changes, inflation, currency fluctuations). Beta measures HRTX's volatility relative to the market - a beta above 1.0 means higher volatility than the S&P 500. Our AI-generated risk assessment identifies the most relevant risk factors for this specific stock.
Are insiders buying or selling HRTX?
Insider trading activity for HRTX tracks purchases and sales by company executives, directors, and major shareholders (10%+ owners) as reported in SEC Form 4 filings. Insider buying is generally considered a bullish signal because insiders have the deepest knowledge of company operations, while selling may have various motivations (diversification, tax planning, pre-planned 10b5-1 trading plans). Key metrics include the buy-to-sell ratio, total dollar value of insider transactions, and whether multiple insiders are trading in the same direction. Our Insider Flow tab shows recent transactions with dates and dollar amounts.
Is HRTX a good stock for beginners?
Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (HRTX) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is HRTX for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (HRTX). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like HRTX.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Stock data pending update.
- Information based on available company data and may be subject to change.